FHS Educator Named TFLTA Teacher of the Year

Published September 15, 2016

Félicitations! That’s French for congratulations, which are in order for WCS educator Betsy Taylor.

The Franklin High School French teacher was recently named the Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association’s Teacher of the Year. Taylor has taught at Franklin High since 1999 and says she loves to share her passion for the French language with her students.

“Watching my students grow excited as they learn to communicate in French is one of the greatest joys,” said Taylor. “Due to the nature of scheduling of foreign language classes, it is not uncommon for me to have the same students two or three years. This perhaps is one of the best aspects of my job, for it allows me to build a strong rapport with my students as they mature and learn to find their unique, important role in the world.”

The TFLTA Teacher of the Year award is given each year to an outstanding foreign language educator in the K-12 levels. In order to be nominated, former students and colleagues of the teacher must send in letters.

Taylor has been a part of the TFLTA since she was a student teacher and says being recognized as the TFLTA Teacher of the Year is truly special.

“I have such great respect for the work of this organization and its membership, which strives to promote only the highest quality language programs and instruction,” said Taylor. “It is truly humbling to find that they have chosen to list me among their number and have asked me to represent them. I am honored and overjoyed.”

K-12 World Language Curriculum Specialist Christi Gilliland says it’s no surprise to students or colleagues that Taylor was chosen for this award.

“Ms. Taylor is the first Williamson County world language teacher to receive this honor,” said Gilliland. “This award is a testament to her professionalism and passion for language instruction. We couldn’t be more proud of the work she does to produce confident, French-speaking students.”